Charles Cole to family, Arlington Heights, Va., 1862

Charles Cole of Sebago, serving in Co. K, 25th Maine Infantry, wrote to his family that they were building winter quarters for the troops in Arlington Heights, Virginia.

He wrote that he watched 2,000 head of cattle pass by, headed for Manassas, Virginia. He told his mother not to worry, that he was "doing first raite we live well and the water is good I have gained thirteen pounds since I left Sebago."

He also warned his family not to address their letters to "MVM," because it also stood for Mass Volunteer Militia.